Science dismantles caste, economics exposes inequality at Manthan Samvaad

The annual Manthan Samvaad 2025 held yesterday at Shilpakala Vedika turned into a festival of ideas where science, economics, history, law, and culture converged. Marking Gandhi Jayanti, the event drew over 1,200 participants eager to hear some of India’s foremost thinkers reflect on the nation’s pressing questions.

Prof. L. S. Sasidhara, molecular biologist, opened with a thought-provoking session on the origins of life. He stressed that all humans are born equal at the genetic level, dismissing pseudoscientific justifications for inequality. Drawing from historical studies, he added that the rigid Indian caste system did not exist 2000 years ago, urging society to confront social hierarchies with reason and evidence. Saying that the Theory of Evolution is scientific, he emphasised the importance of teaching it in the schools

Rathin Roy, economist, followed with a sharp analysis of India’s growth story with a special focus on the south. He pointed out that Telangana now tops the country in per capita income, a marker of its economic success, but cautioned that inequalities are rising alongside prosperity, threatening the stability of development. In Telangana though the prices of goods and services are rising, the lion’s share of the rise is taken away by the rich, further causing more economic inequalities, he analysed. He argued that inclusive growth must be prioritised if India is to avoid deepening social divides.

Pravin Sawhney, defence analyst, then turned attention to national security and shifting global power equations. He warned that by 2030 Chinese artificial intelligence will be number one in the world, fundamentally reshaping the Asian strategic balance and challenging India’s defence preparedness.

Colin Gonsalves, senior advocate and rights activist, delivered a fiery critique of state institutions. He argued that human rights are being systematically suppressed by the government, while the judiciary has failed to step in, and called upon citizens to peacefully agitate to protect constitutional freedoms.

Prof. Rudrangshu Mukherjee, historian, reflected on the intellectual and moral contributions of Gandhi and Tagore. He emphasised how their philosophies of humanism, non-violence, and pluralism offer guidance for India’s democratic future.

Arfa Khanum Sherwani, senior journalist, discussed the fragility of free speech in today’s media climate. She highlighted the challenges faced by independent voices and the importance of nurturing fact-based journalism to preserve democracy.

Vir Das, actor and comedian, closed the proceedings on a lighter yet impactful note. Through satire and humour, he offered a cultural commentary on politics, identity, and the contradictions of contemporary India, showing how art can keep dissent alive.

What is Manthan Samvaad?

Manthan Samvaad is the flagship annual event of Manthan, a Hyderabad-based forum dedicated to free and intelligent public discourse. Since its inception, it has provided a platform for scientists, economists, lawyers, historians, artists, and citizens to engage in open dialogue on “things that matter.” True to its spirit, the event is free to attend, non-partisan, and held every year on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, as a tribute to the power of reasoned debate.

As the curtains fell, Manthan Samvaad 2025 reinforced its reputation as one of India’s most respected platforms for open dialogue. From science dismantling caste to economics exposing inequality, the event reminded citizens that debate and inquiry remain essential to a vibrant democracy.